'He can be one of the best in the world' – Tuchel challenges Rashford to reach full potential

Thomas Tuchel believes Marcus Rashford "can be one of the best in the world", but warned the Barcelona forward not to end his career thinking about "what could have been".

Rashford is currently on a season-long loan with Hansi Flick's side from Manchester United, and he has enjoyed a fine start to his spell with the LaLiga champions this term. 

The 27-year-old has featured in 10 games across all competitions in 2025-26, scoring three times while also laying on four assists for his team-mates, with his seven goal contributions the most in the Barcelona squad. 

He enjoyed a productive spell on loan at Aston Villa for the second half of last season, registering nine goal involvements (four goals, five assists) across all competitions. 

His subsequent form saw Tuchel name Rashford in his first squad back in March for the Three Lions' World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. 

"It's not a question of talent, it's a question of whether he can prove the point at club and international level," Tuchel told reporters. 

England face Latvia at Daugavas Stadiona in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, knowing a victory will seal their spot at the tournament taking place next summer. 

Rashford was introduced at half-time for Ollie Watkins during England's 3-0 win over Wales in an international friendly on Thursday and could start in Riga this time around. 

He scored his 18th goal in the Three Lions' 5-0 rout away to Serbia, nearly two years after his last international strike against Italy in qualifying for Euro 2024. 

Rashford is looking to resurrect his career after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils boss criticising the forward for not giving his maximum in training. 

Tuchel added that Rashford still has time to make the right decisions in his career, saying that he "will be disappointed in 10 years" at what could have been. 

"I think the limit for him is very, very high. Maybe higher than for others," Tuchel added. "He has the potential – but potential is a dangerous word with high-level sports.

"You have to reach your personal best on a regular basis – that is what is demanded on this kind of level, and that is the challenge for him.

"He can be one of the best in the world because of the quality I see in training, the finishing with both legs and with the head.

"He is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so where are the limits?

"There are no limits – but the numbers don't reach their potential, it is as easy as that."